Another long travel day. Got to Heathrow around 3 hours before my flight left. After walking around the terminal for a couple of hours the flight started boarding, as I was in the back I was one of the first on, and therefore one of the last off.
I learned something interesting on the flight. The Union Jack is made up of three different flags. The flag of England (Saint George), Scotland (Saint Andrew), and Ireland (Saint Patrick).
Pictures
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Windsor and Eton
Today's trip was very close to my sisters place. We went to Windsor, it took around 30 minutes to get there in the car. It was a very interesting tour and a very cool place to be. We were lucky to be there when we were because the Queens Apartments were open. They close next week to allow for the Queen to spend April in Windsor. After touring the grounds we went to Eton, which is just across the Themes from Windsor.
We went to dinner at another Thia place, I had a beef Curry.
Pictures
We went to dinner at another Thia place, I had a beef Curry.
Pictures
Monday, March 23, 2009
Stonehenge and Bath
Started out the morning with a quick bite and then we were off to Stonehenge. The drive only takes around an hour from my sisters house. As you come up to the stones you can see them directly off the motorway. The wind was blowing rather fiercely. I got in for free using my sisters card. I listened to every audio guide stop. It was so cold that by the time I got back to the gift shop, my hands were frozen. After warming up, it was back in the car to Bath.
Bath has the only hot spring in England. Back before things of that nature could be explained scientifically, it was of a godly nature. The Romans built a Bath house / Temple over the springs. During the collapse of their empire, they pulled back and this was forgotten, for 19 hundred years. The spring was used during various times since the house was lost. During the Georgian period it was a very popular spot to come. This built Bath into a really large town for visitors.
In 1981 during an archaeological dig, it was discovered that there was much more to this hot spring. They have dug up quite a bit of it now. It is really amazing and anyone to stop in England should make a point of coming to this Roman Bath. The water is green with algi, and is around 39 degrees Celsius, the pool has not been used and will not be used because of the lead pipes they used. A very interesting fact I learned was that the lead piping came from around 48 miles away from Bath. The really interesting fact is how it is tied to another extremely famous Roman City, Pompeii. The lead was taken from the same location and shipped to Italy to make up the bath house and drinking fountains there. It is interesting to see how organized the Romans were. The original Bath House was huge, and because of its hot nature it was also the site of a temple. The city of Bath was around 3 thousand residents back in Roman times, The city of Pompeii around 22 thousand, and yet the bath house in Bath is 3 times larger, it received many more visitors each and every year. They thought by visiting they could be healed. At then end of the tour they have a spot where you can drink some of the water, without the algi, a lot of minerals.
After that it was the drive back, we stopped in Staines but could not agree on which movie to see so we went for dinner at Nandos. It is a chicken restaurant, it was pretty good. Then it was back to her house for more reading and bed.
Pictures
Bath has the only hot spring in England. Back before things of that nature could be explained scientifically, it was of a godly nature. The Romans built a Bath house / Temple over the springs. During the collapse of their empire, they pulled back and this was forgotten, for 19 hundred years. The spring was used during various times since the house was lost. During the Georgian period it was a very popular spot to come. This built Bath into a really large town for visitors.
In 1981 during an archaeological dig, it was discovered that there was much more to this hot spring. They have dug up quite a bit of it now. It is really amazing and anyone to stop in England should make a point of coming to this Roman Bath. The water is green with algi, and is around 39 degrees Celsius, the pool has not been used and will not be used because of the lead pipes they used. A very interesting fact I learned was that the lead piping came from around 48 miles away from Bath. The really interesting fact is how it is tied to another extremely famous Roman City, Pompeii. The lead was taken from the same location and shipped to Italy to make up the bath house and drinking fountains there. It is interesting to see how organized the Romans were. The original Bath House was huge, and because of its hot nature it was also the site of a temple. The city of Bath was around 3 thousand residents back in Roman times, The city of Pompeii around 22 thousand, and yet the bath house in Bath is 3 times larger, it received many more visitors each and every year. They thought by visiting they could be healed. At then end of the tour they have a spot where you can drink some of the water, without the algi, a lot of minerals.
After that it was the drive back, we stopped in Staines but could not agree on which movie to see so we went for dinner at Nandos. It is a chicken restaurant, it was pretty good. Then it was back to her house for more reading and bed.
Pictures
London Day 4
We started out the day by heading to the Tower of London. My sister waited in a pub while I took in the tour. I went through it really fast, but I must say it was the coolest thing I have seen in Brittan. The Crown Jewels were especially cool.
After that we hurried to catch our "Flight" on the London Eye. It took around half an hour and I got some really good pictures. We headed over to were Big Ben sits and took some photos. An interesting fact is that the tower is not called Big Ben. Big Ben is instead the bell used for the clock. The tower is St. Stephens tower.
For lunch we ate at eat. Then it was on the train and back to Thorpe. The train ride took around 40 minutes. We caught a cab back to my sisters house. The cabby was very interested in hearing about the game the day previous.
After we got back my sister made dinner. It was decent, although I do not understand why anyone would want their soup pureed, it really is a crime.
Just hung around and read for the rest of the evening.
Pictures
After that we hurried to catch our "Flight" on the London Eye. It took around half an hour and I got some really good pictures. We headed over to were Big Ben sits and took some photos. An interesting fact is that the tower is not called Big Ben. Big Ben is instead the bell used for the clock. The tower is St. Stephens tower.
For lunch we ate at eat. Then it was on the train and back to Thorpe. The train ride took around 40 minutes. We caught a cab back to my sisters house. The cabby was very interested in hearing about the game the day previous.
After we got back my sister made dinner. It was decent, although I do not understand why anyone would want their soup pureed, it really is a crime.
Just hung around and read for the rest of the evening.
Pictures
Saturday, March 21, 2009
London Day 3 and an unexpected victory.
We got up a little early to check out Borough Market. We spent around an hour walking around the market and sampling a few different food items. After stopping at a Starbucks it was back to Oxford Street to do a little shopping.
We got back to the hotel and dropped off our stuff and then headed out for a quick bite of lunch. We then took the Tube to Putney Bridge and started the walk in to watch another Football Match. This match was against Manchester United, they are the reigning champs of the league and currently are on top. In the previous two games they beat Fulham 3-0 and more recently 4-0. They had been tabbed as unbeatable, but whenever that label hangs over you it is a harbinger of doom. They lost embarrassingly to the team that is in third place last week 4-1. So there was a concern going into the game that they would use it as a bounce back and really go for the jugular.
The match started out with the crowd being fired up even with the apparent trashing coming. It was excellent footballing on both sides. The first goal was in the 18th minute. It was the result of a penatly kick, after a player was red carded and left the game. The odds were starting to tip in the favor of the Whites. There were many more attempts on both goals but no further scores in the first half. After half it seemed like the Red Devils were playing with a bit of fire. They had many more shots on goal than the Whites. But in the 80th minute Rooney received a Red card and left the pitch punching the flag at the corner of the field. Man U was down to 9 men, and FFC was up 1-0. At that point the stadium started to get crazy, nobody sat down. It was like a proper College Football Game for electricity. Another goal was scored by a sub in the 87th minute and for the first time in 45 years Fulham beat Man U at Craven Cottage. Everybody was ecstatic on the way out. We had to wait in queues to get on the train. We went to Hell pizza for dinner, still not bread sticks, no wonder a tiny group of colonies was able to defeat them.
Then it was off to see the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. Very interesting, no pictures allowed by they have been doing the same thing for almost 800 years now. They don't remember why they started but they keep on doing it at the same time every night. 6 minutes to 10 finishing at 10 pm.
Pictures
We got back to the hotel and dropped off our stuff and then headed out for a quick bite of lunch. We then took the Tube to Putney Bridge and started the walk in to watch another Football Match. This match was against Manchester United, they are the reigning champs of the league and currently are on top. In the previous two games they beat Fulham 3-0 and more recently 4-0. They had been tabbed as unbeatable, but whenever that label hangs over you it is a harbinger of doom. They lost embarrassingly to the team that is in third place last week 4-1. So there was a concern going into the game that they would use it as a bounce back and really go for the jugular.
The match started out with the crowd being fired up even with the apparent trashing coming. It was excellent footballing on both sides. The first goal was in the 18th minute. It was the result of a penatly kick, after a player was red carded and left the game. The odds were starting to tip in the favor of the Whites. There were many more attempts on both goals but no further scores in the first half. After half it seemed like the Red Devils were playing with a bit of fire. They had many more shots on goal than the Whites. But in the 80th minute Rooney received a Red card and left the pitch punching the flag at the corner of the field. Man U was down to 9 men, and FFC was up 1-0. At that point the stadium started to get crazy, nobody sat down. It was like a proper College Football Game for electricity. Another goal was scored by a sub in the 87th minute and for the first time in 45 years Fulham beat Man U at Craven Cottage. Everybody was ecstatic on the way out. We had to wait in queues to get on the train. We went to Hell pizza for dinner, still not bread sticks, no wonder a tiny group of colonies was able to defeat them.
Then it was off to see the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. Very interesting, no pictures allowed by they have been doing the same thing for almost 800 years now. They don't remember why they started but they keep on doing it at the same time every night. 6 minutes to 10 finishing at 10 pm.
Pictures
Friday, March 20, 2009
London Day 2
Slept in a little bit this morning. On the way to the Tube we found a Starbucks for breakfast. We first went to Kensington Gardens and walked past Kensington Palace where Princess Diana lived when she died. We walked through the park and into Hyde Park. There was nobody at Speakers Corner for debating with today.
We walked through Oxford Street stopping in a few shops along the way. We ended up at the British Museum, where I spent around 2 hours walking around looking at the different exhibits. All the stolen history, but it does come in handy when you are the only world power of that day.
My sister was getting a headache so she headed back to the hotel. I set out to find Greenwich. It took around 30 minutes to ride the Tube and DLR lines out there. I walked around the dock area and then headed up to the Royal Observatory. The Museum was closed by the time I got up there but I did take a photo of the clock right outside the gates.
I started to make my way back to the hotel when my sister sent me a text. We met up at West Kensington stop and went to 222. It is a vegan restaurant, I refuse to eat anything that is supposed to taste like meat. So I had a curry instead, it was decent. I had a chocolate cake for desert, which was good.
We hopped back on the Tube and headed to St. Pauls Church and then walked across the Millennium Bridge. When the bridge was opened it had to be shut down the first day because it was moving so much in the wind. We walked and found the Golden Hind and then went to London Bridge Tube stop. After a quick stop at a grocery store it was time for bed.
Pictures
We walked through Oxford Street stopping in a few shops along the way. We ended up at the British Museum, where I spent around 2 hours walking around looking at the different exhibits. All the stolen history, but it does come in handy when you are the only world power of that day.
My sister was getting a headache so she headed back to the hotel. I set out to find Greenwich. It took around 30 minutes to ride the Tube and DLR lines out there. I walked around the dock area and then headed up to the Royal Observatory. The Museum was closed by the time I got up there but I did take a photo of the clock right outside the gates.
I started to make my way back to the hotel when my sister sent me a text. We met up at West Kensington stop and went to 222. It is a vegan restaurant, I refuse to eat anything that is supposed to taste like meat. So I had a curry instead, it was decent. I had a chocolate cake for desert, which was good.
We hopped back on the Tube and headed to St. Pauls Church and then walked across the Millennium Bridge. When the bridge was opened it had to be shut down the first day because it was moving so much in the wind. We walked and found the Golden Hind and then went to London Bridge Tube stop. After a quick stop at a grocery store it was time for bed.
Pictures
Thursday, March 19, 2009
London Day 1
It was very good to get back and have some restful sleep. But it was not without incident. At my sisters place I am sleeping on a futon with an air mattress on top of it. At some point during the night it tipped. Luckily I woke up in time to catch myself from slamming my head against the floor, which would have been humorous but not great for beauty rest.
After waking up and watching a little of the BBC morning show, my sister arrived back from the gym. She had been rear ended in the parking lot while buying me coffee and yogurt. Luckily no one was harmed but my wallet, as the deposit was not returned or may not be returned for a few months.
When she came in she let in the neighbor cat, which found my bags very interesting. After getting packed it was time to head into London. We dropped the car off at the rental place and then hopped on the train headed to Waterloo Station. It took around half an hour to get in from where she lives. After she dropped off her bags it was into the city.
The first stop was the London Eye, but after seeing the line we decided to try it later and walk across Hungerford Footbridge. From there we headed up to where most of the shows are. At one of the theaters they were holding the opening night for the new Fast and the Furious movie. After walking around that area for a while it was on to lunch. We ate at a Mexican restaurant which was pretty good, but very filling, I didn't have a proper meal for the rest of the day.
I was also able to do something here which I failed to accomplish in Japan, I found a Muji store. But I want to keep the mystery alive until I can go into a proper store in Yokohama. We walked through China Town, which was the cleanest and most boring version I have ever seen.
After a quick walking tour of Trafalgar Square, it was on to Buckingham Palace. We missed the changing of the guards which happens every other day at 1130 in the wintertime. Also of note, the guards wear grey until April 1st when they switch back to the more commonly thought of Red uniforms.
After walking through Green Park we went to the Churchill Museum, which was very interesting. I did not realize that he was the son of a British and American couple. He also lead a very wild and crazy political career, which included backing the wrong person in an abdication case. He was head of the Royal Navy for a spell and got removed after certain things happened in WWI. He was put back into that post when the chap which replaced him made a similar large misjudgment of course. He then parlayed that into becoming Prime Minister. Another interesting tid bit, is how he was very close friends with President Roosevelt. The last thing was that he was removed from office shortly after WWII ended. The Museum also housed the first Enigma machine I have seen.
On the way back to pick up my sisters bags we walked past Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. We caught a cab to the hotel. After getting settled it was time for my first TUBE experience, nothing too major. But it does make me wish I was back in Japan, all other public transit seems poorly thought out when compared to that of the Japanese. Although they do have the distinct advantage of learning from others mistakes. But back to the Underground, it took around 30 minutes to get to the Tower Hill stop. We came out of the station and had a great view of the Tower of London.
We walked down to the waterfront and I got my first glimpse of London Tower Bridge. I took a few pictures and we headed back to the station to catch …. a Jack the Ripper walking tour. I new nothing about this killer apart from the Wolf in the Fold episode of the original Star Trek, which was brought up during the tour. The tour took around 2 hours to complete, but needless to say my apatite never showed up after hearing some of the things which that individual did to those five women. We took a different way back to the hotel, and then came in and crashed for the evening.
Pictures
After waking up and watching a little of the BBC morning show, my sister arrived back from the gym. She had been rear ended in the parking lot while buying me coffee and yogurt. Luckily no one was harmed but my wallet, as the deposit was not returned or may not be returned for a few months.
When she came in she let in the neighbor cat, which found my bags very interesting. After getting packed it was time to head into London. We dropped the car off at the rental place and then hopped on the train headed to Waterloo Station. It took around half an hour to get in from where she lives. After she dropped off her bags it was into the city.
The first stop was the London Eye, but after seeing the line we decided to try it later and walk across Hungerford Footbridge. From there we headed up to where most of the shows are. At one of the theaters they were holding the opening night for the new Fast and the Furious movie. After walking around that area for a while it was on to lunch. We ate at a Mexican restaurant which was pretty good, but very filling, I didn't have a proper meal for the rest of the day.
I was also able to do something here which I failed to accomplish in Japan, I found a Muji store. But I want to keep the mystery alive until I can go into a proper store in Yokohama. We walked through China Town, which was the cleanest and most boring version I have ever seen.
After a quick walking tour of Trafalgar Square, it was on to Buckingham Palace. We missed the changing of the guards which happens every other day at 1130 in the wintertime. Also of note, the guards wear grey until April 1st when they switch back to the more commonly thought of Red uniforms.
After walking through Green Park we went to the Churchill Museum, which was very interesting. I did not realize that he was the son of a British and American couple. He also lead a very wild and crazy political career, which included backing the wrong person in an abdication case. He was head of the Royal Navy for a spell and got removed after certain things happened in WWI. He was put back into that post when the chap which replaced him made a similar large misjudgment of course. He then parlayed that into becoming Prime Minister. Another interesting tid bit, is how he was very close friends with President Roosevelt. The last thing was that he was removed from office shortly after WWII ended. The Museum also housed the first Enigma machine I have seen.
On the way back to pick up my sisters bags we walked past Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. We caught a cab to the hotel. After getting settled it was time for my first TUBE experience, nothing too major. But it does make me wish I was back in Japan, all other public transit seems poorly thought out when compared to that of the Japanese. Although they do have the distinct advantage of learning from others mistakes. But back to the Underground, it took around 30 minutes to get to the Tower Hill stop. We came out of the station and had a great view of the Tower of London.
We walked down to the waterfront and I got my first glimpse of London Tower Bridge. I took a few pictures and we headed back to the station to catch …. a Jack the Ripper walking tour. I new nothing about this killer apart from the Wolf in the Fold episode of the original Star Trek, which was brought up during the tour. The tour took around 2 hours to complete, but needless to say my apatite never showed up after hearing some of the things which that individual did to those five women. We took a different way back to the hotel, and then came in and crashed for the evening.
Pictures
UK Road Trip Day 7
The final day of the road trip was a very long day. We grabbed breakfast around 830 before heading out on a short hike. We could see the nearest lake from at the top of the assent, it was very nice. On the way out of the Lake District we stopped in a small village for a quick walk around. There are sheep everywhere in the Lake District.
The next stop was at Honister Slate Mine. They conduct tours throughout the day, but the next tour was an hour and a half away so it was back in the car after a short stop. We then spent around 2 hours on very curvy roads where you would have to stop and let the other vehicle pass. It was very picturesque scenery, but it was nice to get back on some decent roads. Plus we finally got out of Red Squirrel Country.
We stopped in Saint Bees for lunch and to see the beginning of the coast to coast walk. I got the chance to put my feet in the Irish sea and promptly turned it down, but I did see it, so on the road trip I saw the North Sea and the Irish Sea (Coast to Coast).
After around three more hours in the car we stopped in the place where our ancestors probably once lived in the 16th century. The place is Snelson, it is not a town but an area. We stopped and took pictures at Snelson Lane and Snelson Methodist Church. All that remained was to head south for my sisters house. Which was another three hours.
On the way we saw the Jodrell Bank Observatory, a very large dish in the middle of a very flat area. We stopped at a Welcome Break for a quick bite. I found some Cajun Squirrel Chips, haven't tried them yet, but had to pick them up. It is one of six flavors that Walker's is holding a contest to become the newest permanent flavor in their crisp line.
We stopped once more at a services stop very close to Silverstone where the Grand Prix race was held in the UK. Although it sounds like there will not be a Grand Prix race in the UK this year. It joins the US and Canada as the latest countries to lose there Grand Prix. We drove past the steady stream of jets flying into Heathrow and finally arrived back at her place around 2130.
Pictures
The next stop was at Honister Slate Mine. They conduct tours throughout the day, but the next tour was an hour and a half away so it was back in the car after a short stop. We then spent around 2 hours on very curvy roads where you would have to stop and let the other vehicle pass. It was very picturesque scenery, but it was nice to get back on some decent roads. Plus we finally got out of Red Squirrel Country.
We stopped in Saint Bees for lunch and to see the beginning of the coast to coast walk. I got the chance to put my feet in the Irish sea and promptly turned it down, but I did see it, so on the road trip I saw the North Sea and the Irish Sea (Coast to Coast).
After around three more hours in the car we stopped in the place where our ancestors probably once lived in the 16th century. The place is Snelson, it is not a town but an area. We stopped and took pictures at Snelson Lane and Snelson Methodist Church. All that remained was to head south for my sisters house. Which was another three hours.
On the way we saw the Jodrell Bank Observatory, a very large dish in the middle of a very flat area. We stopped at a Welcome Break for a quick bite. I found some Cajun Squirrel Chips, haven't tried them yet, but had to pick them up. It is one of six flavors that Walker's is holding a contest to become the newest permanent flavor in their crisp line.
We stopped once more at a services stop very close to Silverstone where the Grand Prix race was held in the UK. Although it sounds like there will not be a Grand Prix race in the UK this year. It joins the US and Canada as the latest countries to lose there Grand Prix. We drove past the steady stream of jets flying into Heathrow and finally arrived back at her place around 2130.
Pictures
UK Road Trip Day 6
Woke up and had pancakes and bacon for breakfast. A proper home cooked meal, it was very good. After chatting with my Aunt and Uncle for a couple of hours we headed south. We attempted and failed to find Hadrian's wall again, oh well there is always next trip.
We continued south to the Lake District. We stopped in Grasmere for a break. After picking up some of Sarah Nelsons famous ginger bread, we spent around an hour walking around the town. We saw lots of dogs on the walk around town.
Then we got back on the road and headed to Keswick. We were around an hour early for check in at the bed and breakfast so we walked around the town centre. It was pretty cool little town. After checking into the bed and breakfast we headed to dinner at the White Lion Inn two towns over. I had a steak with some potatoes and a little bit of cole slaw. That is the extent of my celebration of Saint Patricks day.
We headed back to the hotel and got to bed a little early.
Pictures
We continued south to the Lake District. We stopped in Grasmere for a break. After picking up some of Sarah Nelsons famous ginger bread, we spent around an hour walking around the town. We saw lots of dogs on the walk around town.
Then we got back on the road and headed to Keswick. We were around an hour early for check in at the bed and breakfast so we walked around the town centre. It was pretty cool little town. After checking into the bed and breakfast we headed to dinner at the White Lion Inn two towns over. I had a steak with some potatoes and a little bit of cole slaw. That is the extent of my celebration of Saint Patricks day.
We headed back to the hotel and got to bed a little early.
Pictures
UK Road Trip Day 5
Got up a little earlier today because it was a big travel day. I had a proper Scottish Breakfast, which included Hagus and Black Pudding. I am still trying to recover, I respect tradition, but seriously.
After checking out of the hotel and paying for it with a second mortgage we headed up to Inverness, which is very close to Loch Ness. The drive from Edinburgh took around four hours to complete. This included a stop in Blair Atholl. Which is the only person allowed by the Queen to have a private army. He does shows with his troops during parades and the like. After that we got back on the road, it was very curvy and reminded me a lot of the Washington Coast. We toured through the Highlands on the way up. Which looks like the Cascade Foothills, with a bit more color. Here they also have Purple, which I am more than willing to accept not having back home.
After flying through the city we finally got to Loch Ness. I took a tour of the Loch Ness Monster Museum. They had lots and lots of photographic evidence about old Nessie. After eating a Pear for lunch it was back on the road. The destination was just outside of Glasgow, to visit my Aunt and Uncle. It took around four hours to drive down, needless to say a very very long day in the car. We passed a few Loch's on the way down. We also saw many sheep and very shaggy cows grazing in the fields on either side of the road.
Getting back into the city was a welcome sight for me. I enjoy the mountains, but there is something about civilization that I have found myself enjoying. We arrived at my Aunt and Uncles place around 1800. After sitting down for a quick chat we head for what they call “Little America.” It is a restaurant park with Burger King, McDonalds, Pizzahut, and a Cinema. Seeing the Pizzahut was the lesser of all evils we had dinner there. It was very interesting, not quite American, but still good. The only thing I bemoan is the lack of bread sticks, I mean COME ON, pizza and no sticks? We headed back to their house for some tea and cake. After chatting a bit, it was time for bed. The end to a very long day which included very few sites, but I can say that I have driven around a few Loch's.
Pictures
After checking out of the hotel and paying for it with a second mortgage we headed up to Inverness, which is very close to Loch Ness. The drive from Edinburgh took around four hours to complete. This included a stop in Blair Atholl. Which is the only person allowed by the Queen to have a private army. He does shows with his troops during parades and the like. After that we got back on the road, it was very curvy and reminded me a lot of the Washington Coast. We toured through the Highlands on the way up. Which looks like the Cascade Foothills, with a bit more color. Here they also have Purple, which I am more than willing to accept not having back home.
After flying through the city we finally got to Loch Ness. I took a tour of the Loch Ness Monster Museum. They had lots and lots of photographic evidence about old Nessie. After eating a Pear for lunch it was back on the road. The destination was just outside of Glasgow, to visit my Aunt and Uncle. It took around four hours to drive down, needless to say a very very long day in the car. We passed a few Loch's on the way down. We also saw many sheep and very shaggy cows grazing in the fields on either side of the road.
Getting back into the city was a welcome sight for me. I enjoy the mountains, but there is something about civilization that I have found myself enjoying. We arrived at my Aunt and Uncles place around 1800. After sitting down for a quick chat we head for what they call “Little America.” It is a restaurant park with Burger King, McDonalds, Pizzahut, and a Cinema. Seeing the Pizzahut was the lesser of all evils we had dinner there. It was very interesting, not quite American, but still good. The only thing I bemoan is the lack of bread sticks, I mean COME ON, pizza and no sticks? We headed back to their house for some tea and cake. After chatting a bit, it was time for bed. The end to a very long day which included very few sites, but I can say that I have driven around a few Loch's.
Pictures
Sunday, March 15, 2009
UK Road Trip Day 4 Edinburgh Day 2
Woke up this morning and walked around the Royal Mile for a bit. Got a little Starbucks, and took a bunch of photos. Went back to the hotel for breakfast. I had a salmon and scrambled eggs dish that was pretty good. The salmon was served cold because it was smoked. The Orange Juice was extremely fresh, I believe I may have even seen rind floating around somewhere.
After breakfast we headed up to Edinburgh Castle. Went on a guide tour and found out much humors and interesting information. The thing that stuck out was there is a 1 o'clock cannon that fires at 1 every day, except for holidays and sundays. It was used to assist the sailors in the harbor as to setting their watches so they knew when to sail out. It has been firing since the mid 1800's, TRADITION. The castle was also used to house prisoners of war, dating back to the Revolution For Independence. It was interesting seeing where future Americans were held, and held much after even the treaty to acknowledge America was signed.
After the castle we walked down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Which is still used by the Queen as her summer home, when she stays in Scotland. It was interesting to see all of the rooms and how stuff was positioned inside. Mary Queen of Scots lived there during part of her tumultuous rule. There are remains of an Abby still on the grounds and a very large Garden complex which is only open during the summer months.
After the tour we headed back to the hotel, stopping to do some shopping on the way. We then went to the Cafe were JK Rowling wrote parts of the first few Harry Potter books. We had a light chili for a snack. We then walked around Princes Street for a while.
After getting back and resting at the hotel we headed out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Then called it a evening.
Pictures
After breakfast we headed up to Edinburgh Castle. Went on a guide tour and found out much humors and interesting information. The thing that stuck out was there is a 1 o'clock cannon that fires at 1 every day, except for holidays and sundays. It was used to assist the sailors in the harbor as to setting their watches so they knew when to sail out. It has been firing since the mid 1800's, TRADITION. The castle was also used to house prisoners of war, dating back to the Revolution For Independence. It was interesting seeing where future Americans were held, and held much after even the treaty to acknowledge America was signed.
After the castle we walked down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Which is still used by the Queen as her summer home, when she stays in Scotland. It was interesting to see all of the rooms and how stuff was positioned inside. Mary Queen of Scots lived there during part of her tumultuous rule. There are remains of an Abby still on the grounds and a very large Garden complex which is only open during the summer months.
After the tour we headed back to the hotel, stopping to do some shopping on the way. We then went to the Cafe were JK Rowling wrote parts of the first few Harry Potter books. We had a light chili for a snack. We then walked around Princes Street for a while.
After getting back and resting at the hotel we headed out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Then called it a evening.
Pictures
Saturday, March 14, 2009
UK Road Trip Day 3
Headed up into Scotland Today.
We spent the morning in Whitby and went up to Whitby abby which is on the top of the hill behind the hotel. It was a Catholic Church when Henry VIII took over and burnt most of them down. It was interesting to see a church that old and what had been able to withstand the test of time and fire.
After that we started the long drive up to Edinburgh about 180 miles north. After about two hours we saw signs for Hadrians Wall, so we turned off. After failing to find said wall, we stopped in for lunch. I had a BLT which was excellent. After lunch we headed north again. It took us about an hour to reach the Scotland-England Border. Another hour or so to Edinburgh. We checked into the hotel and met up with friends of my sister for dinner. We ate at a small restaurant. I had the Ribeye steak for dinner and a pear dish for desert. After dinner we called it a night, to prepare for walking all around Edinburgh tomorrow.
Pictures
We spent the morning in Whitby and went up to Whitby abby which is on the top of the hill behind the hotel. It was a Catholic Church when Henry VIII took over and burnt most of them down. It was interesting to see a church that old and what had been able to withstand the test of time and fire.
After that we started the long drive up to Edinburgh about 180 miles north. After about two hours we saw signs for Hadrians Wall, so we turned off. After failing to find said wall, we stopped in for lunch. I had a BLT which was excellent. After lunch we headed north again. It took us about an hour to reach the Scotland-England Border. Another hour or so to Edinburgh. We checked into the hotel and met up with friends of my sister for dinner. We ate at a small restaurant. I had the Ribeye steak for dinner and a pear dish for desert. After dinner we called it a night, to prepare for walking all around Edinburgh tomorrow.
Pictures
UK Road Trip Day 2
Got around seven hours of sleep. I seem to be coming up to speed in this time zone. One thing I have learned about English Hotels is that they serve real breakfasts in the morning. All in all people over here seem to take their time in most things.
Went down to breakfast around 900. Had what is called a Bacon Buddy, basically bacon between two slices of bread. It was pretty good. Breakfast was rounded out by cereal, toast, and of course tea.
The morning adventure was to walk around the walls of York. It was around four and a half miles for the trip. It took us around an hour and a half to complete the walk. After that we went to the Minster. Spent around an hour walking around inside. Rounded out the rest of the time in York by walking around the shopping areas. It was Red Nose day and we kept getting pestered by different people wanting money for charities.
We headed north to Whitby a small village on the east coast. On the way up we stopped at a Pub called Stone Trough Inn. I had a Chicken and Ham Pie. It was pretty good, but the potions seem to be very large over here, so I did not finish it all. After the lunch we tried to go the Kirkham Priory. It was not yet open, early April. It looked very interesting to see the ruins of a great building just in a field.
When we got to Whitby and checked into the hotel (The White Horse and Griffin). We decided to walk around for a while. An interesting fact about Whitby is that Bram Stocker wrote Dracula here. So there is a big Goth presence and lots of shops. I had my first Fish and Chips experience at The Magpie Cafe, which according to some is the best place in the world to get it. Not a fish fan, so it was just okay for me.
After all the walking and driving called it an early night.
Pictures
Went down to breakfast around 900. Had what is called a Bacon Buddy, basically bacon between two slices of bread. It was pretty good. Breakfast was rounded out by cereal, toast, and of course tea.
The morning adventure was to walk around the walls of York. It was around four and a half miles for the trip. It took us around an hour and a half to complete the walk. After that we went to the Minster. Spent around an hour walking around inside. Rounded out the rest of the time in York by walking around the shopping areas. It was Red Nose day and we kept getting pestered by different people wanting money for charities.
We headed north to Whitby a small village on the east coast. On the way up we stopped at a Pub called Stone Trough Inn. I had a Chicken and Ham Pie. It was pretty good, but the potions seem to be very large over here, so I did not finish it all. After the lunch we tried to go the Kirkham Priory. It was not yet open, early April. It looked very interesting to see the ruins of a great building just in a field.
When we got to Whitby and checked into the hotel (The White Horse and Griffin). We decided to walk around for a while. An interesting fact about Whitby is that Bram Stocker wrote Dracula here. So there is a big Goth presence and lots of shops. I had my first Fish and Chips experience at The Magpie Cafe, which according to some is the best place in the world to get it. Not a fish fan, so it was just okay for me.
After all the walking and driving called it an early night.
Pictures
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Road Trip UK Day One
What is the best thing to do when you are on a vacation in England, ROAD TRIP.
I got about 6 hours of sleep last night and woke up around 7 am, wide awake. My body is still confused as to what time it should be, Tokyo, Seattle, or London. I continued the wake up cycle by having tea and reading my Kindle, no wireless connection over here but still a great device to read on.
After my sister got back from the gym we packed up and left the house around 930. We stopped by a grocery store Sainsbury's for supplies and most importantly STARBUCKS. They do not have White Chocolate Mochas here, instead they call them White Cafe Mochas. Similar but something about it is different. The nice thing is that extra shots here are around 21 cents. I got a BLT sandwhich from Starbucks to offset the lack of a real breakfast. After walking up and down the isles to see at the strange food, we arrived at the tea isles, finally an isles full of tea, most excellent. After picking up a bag of Rowntree's Fruit gums it was time to check out.
My credit card company recently had a breach in security and lost a bunch of information. So they closed a bunch of accounts and didn't tell anybody. I found that out last sunday after a while on the phone I got a straight answer. So luckily my not paying attention to people finally paid off. Before I went to Japan on my last trip I stopped by my bank and apparently signed up for a credit card. So that is the one I am using over here. Anyways back to the check out.
The cards over here have a built in chip and it must be scanned, so no swipping. I used it twice today, once in the grociery store and once at the gas station. Both times the checker was amazed that I was able to swipe the card and it worked. The power of MasterCard.
We drove for about an hour north and stopped at Oxford. We walked around a while before stopping at a Pub to get lunch. This pub served Thia food, strange, but it was good. I had a green curry with vegetables, my sister went with the tofu. After lunch we walked around Oxford taking pictures of different colleges around the town. After getting another round of Starbucks, it was off to the road once more.
The destination was York, which would normally take around 3 hours. But with traffic and a pit stop it took 4 hours no problem. On the way up we saw two Nuclear Power plants. I also saw a very strange construction sign, which read "Relocating Bridge", I asked my sister, shouldn't that read road closed?
We arrived in York around 1830. After checking into the hotel and parking a mile a way we lugged are bags to the hotel. Didn't really think that one through. My sister treated me to a ghost tour. It lasted for around an hour and we walked through about 10 blocks of York learning about gruesome acts which had happened in the past. I guess that is what happens when a place has been around for over 17 centuries, lots of history. The hotel which we are staying in is the Guy Fawkes Hotel (around 500 years old, with WIFI), he apparently tried to off the king back in the 1600's by using gun powder to blow up parliament, but apparently it was a little soggy and his plan failed. He got hung for his efforts, the ghost walk guide said that he was the only person to ever enter parliament with honest intentions. That is pretty funny. On the tour we saw the last Roman column from the outpost which was on the grounds of what is now York Minster. It is a very beautiful cathedral. After the tour we headed back to the hotel, which is just across the street from the Minster.
We ate dinner in the Pub, I had bangers and mash, my first real British meal. All in all it was pretty good. After dinner it was off to upload pictures and get some rest before the next day of the road trip.
Pictures
I got about 6 hours of sleep last night and woke up around 7 am, wide awake. My body is still confused as to what time it should be, Tokyo, Seattle, or London. I continued the wake up cycle by having tea and reading my Kindle, no wireless connection over here but still a great device to read on.
After my sister got back from the gym we packed up and left the house around 930. We stopped by a grocery store Sainsbury's for supplies and most importantly STARBUCKS. They do not have White Chocolate Mochas here, instead they call them White Cafe Mochas. Similar but something about it is different. The nice thing is that extra shots here are around 21 cents. I got a BLT sandwhich from Starbucks to offset the lack of a real breakfast. After walking up and down the isles to see at the strange food, we arrived at the tea isles, finally an isles full of tea, most excellent. After picking up a bag of Rowntree's Fruit gums it was time to check out.
My credit card company recently had a breach in security and lost a bunch of information. So they closed a bunch of accounts and didn't tell anybody. I found that out last sunday after a while on the phone I got a straight answer. So luckily my not paying attention to people finally paid off. Before I went to Japan on my last trip I stopped by my bank and apparently signed up for a credit card. So that is the one I am using over here. Anyways back to the check out.
The cards over here have a built in chip and it must be scanned, so no swipping. I used it twice today, once in the grociery store and once at the gas station. Both times the checker was amazed that I was able to swipe the card and it worked. The power of MasterCard.
We drove for about an hour north and stopped at Oxford. We walked around a while before stopping at a Pub to get lunch. This pub served Thia food, strange, but it was good. I had a green curry with vegetables, my sister went with the tofu. After lunch we walked around Oxford taking pictures of different colleges around the town. After getting another round of Starbucks, it was off to the road once more.
The destination was York, which would normally take around 3 hours. But with traffic and a pit stop it took 4 hours no problem. On the way up we saw two Nuclear Power plants. I also saw a very strange construction sign, which read "Relocating Bridge", I asked my sister, shouldn't that read road closed?
We arrived in York around 1830. After checking into the hotel and parking a mile a way we lugged are bags to the hotel. Didn't really think that one through. My sister treated me to a ghost tour. It lasted for around an hour and we walked through about 10 blocks of York learning about gruesome acts which had happened in the past. I guess that is what happens when a place has been around for over 17 centuries, lots of history. The hotel which we are staying in is the Guy Fawkes Hotel (around 500 years old, with WIFI), he apparently tried to off the king back in the 1600's by using gun powder to blow up parliament, but apparently it was a little soggy and his plan failed. He got hung for his efforts, the ghost walk guide said that he was the only person to ever enter parliament with honest intentions. That is pretty funny. On the tour we saw the last Roman column from the outpost which was on the grounds of what is now York Minster. It is a very beautiful cathedral. After the tour we headed back to the hotel, which is just across the street from the Minster.
We ate dinner in the Pub, I had bangers and mash, my first real British meal. All in all it was pretty good. After dinner it was off to upload pictures and get some rest before the next day of the road trip.
Pictures
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Travel Day 10th/11th Football Game
Day One
What a long day it was, I was up for around 30 hours with a few naps on the plane. I slept really good when we got back from the Football (SOCCER) Match. But Let me start from the Beginning.
March 10th
I arrived at the airport about 3 hours before the flight left, which was a good thing because I got a pretty good seat on the plane. Check in took a long time, for some reason British has actual people check you in instead of the magic machines that US carriers use. The seat was in a row of 4 with only two people in it. Had room to spread out which was nice. It was my first flight on a 747, now that I have flow on the 737-777 I have to say that the 777 is still my favorite. I am excited to try the 787 whenever it finally gets done. The seat back entertainment system was really good, it had a selection of movies you could choose from. Each person could pause whatever they were watching at anytime. And they also had the moving map. Dinner was a chicken pasta dish and breakfast was a cheese croissant. The seats on the plan reclined more than they do on the United flight I take to Japan.
March 11th
The flight flew over Canada south of Greenland and Iceland and then over Ireland to Heathrow. We had to circle two times because the skies were full. When went to Terminal 5 which is the newest one at Heathrow. My sister wasn't there which wasn't suprising, just kidding. I sat down at a coffee shop and got a little liquid energy. It was a quick drive back to her house. After unpacking it was time for the grand tour of her work.
I met a lot of people and remember none of them. I just remember the fact that they all had proper handshakes, after spending time in the land of the limp fish handshake it was a welcome change. When she introduced me to the maintenance staff I got to use my Peter, Paul and Mary joke. She first introduced me to Peter and Paul, and there was one more guy in another room. I said that must make you Mary. They thought it was pretty funny. For the record his name was NOT Mary.
After the tour we went to Tea at Great Fosters. It was a Hunting Lodge used by Henry VIII. Very nice. I had a green tea from china which was very good. And luckily no craziness with putting any Milk in my tea.
Now onto the Trains, in comparison to Japan they are terrible and confusing. You buy a ticket but you don't have to show it at all train stations. We were headed to the Fulham Blackburn football match. We went to the game with two of my sisters friends. We ate dinner at a Japanese British restaurant, very interesting interpretation of traditional Japanese dishes. I did enjoy my Gyoza and Ramen.
By the time we got to the stadium I was really tired, but the game started out good, a goal was scored in the 2nd minute. The crowd was into it, the game was over in two hours, so that was good. I am biased but there is no event in soccer to match the end of the forth quarter drive in college football. The other team scored two goals in the last 10 minutes and Fulham lost the game. My sister bought a jersey with my name on it, it is pretty cool.
The train ride back was a blur as I was in and out of sleep. Went to bed and woke up 7 hours later.
Pictures
What a long day it was, I was up for around 30 hours with a few naps on the plane. I slept really good when we got back from the Football (SOCCER) Match. But Let me start from the Beginning.
March 10th
I arrived at the airport about 3 hours before the flight left, which was a good thing because I got a pretty good seat on the plane. Check in took a long time, for some reason British has actual people check you in instead of the magic machines that US carriers use. The seat was in a row of 4 with only two people in it. Had room to spread out which was nice. It was my first flight on a 747, now that I have flow on the 737-777 I have to say that the 777 is still my favorite. I am excited to try the 787 whenever it finally gets done. The seat back entertainment system was really good, it had a selection of movies you could choose from. Each person could pause whatever they were watching at anytime. And they also had the moving map. Dinner was a chicken pasta dish and breakfast was a cheese croissant. The seats on the plan reclined more than they do on the United flight I take to Japan.
March 11th
The flight flew over Canada south of Greenland and Iceland and then over Ireland to Heathrow. We had to circle two times because the skies were full. When went to Terminal 5 which is the newest one at Heathrow. My sister wasn't there which wasn't suprising, just kidding. I sat down at a coffee shop and got a little liquid energy. It was a quick drive back to her house. After unpacking it was time for the grand tour of her work.
I met a lot of people and remember none of them. I just remember the fact that they all had proper handshakes, after spending time in the land of the limp fish handshake it was a welcome change. When she introduced me to the maintenance staff I got to use my Peter, Paul and Mary joke. She first introduced me to Peter and Paul, and there was one more guy in another room. I said that must make you Mary. They thought it was pretty funny. For the record his name was NOT Mary.
After the tour we went to Tea at Great Fosters. It was a Hunting Lodge used by Henry VIII. Very nice. I had a green tea from china which was very good. And luckily no craziness with putting any Milk in my tea.
Now onto the Trains, in comparison to Japan they are terrible and confusing. You buy a ticket but you don't have to show it at all train stations. We were headed to the Fulham Blackburn football match. We went to the game with two of my sisters friends. We ate dinner at a Japanese British restaurant, very interesting interpretation of traditional Japanese dishes. I did enjoy my Gyoza and Ramen.
By the time we got to the stadium I was really tired, but the game started out good, a goal was scored in the 2nd minute. The crowd was into it, the game was over in two hours, so that was good. I am biased but there is no event in soccer to match the end of the forth quarter drive in college football. The other team scored two goals in the last 10 minutes and Fulham lost the game. My sister bought a jersey with my name on it, it is pretty cool.
The train ride back was a blur as I was in and out of sleep. Went to bed and woke up 7 hours later.
Pictures
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Start Of Something New
Tonight will consist of packing, getting credit card messes straightened out, and checking in online. Fun times all around. The flight leaves around 7 PM tomorrow night so plenty of time to get everything crammed into the suit case.
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